Abstract: Thermal transfer ribbons that contain mixtures of carbon black and/or other non-melting solids within the thermal transfer layer provide high density images and reduced melt viscosities for the thermal transfer layer where the mixtures contain at least three different sized particles or mixtures of particles and each of the different sized particles comprise 20 to less than 80 volume % of the total volume of the overall particle mixture. Each of the different sized particles also have particle size values which differ from each by a factor of at least 1.5.

Abstract: A heat sink material for use with a semiconductor component having a coefficient of thermal expansion near to that of a semiconductor material and a high thermal conductivity, comprising a plurality of diamond particles, a metal, and a metal carbide, wherein the metal carbide and diamond particles constitute the matrix, and the metal fills the interstices of the matrix is provided. Also disclosed are a method for fabricating the same and a semiconductor package using the same.

Abstract: Iron oxyhydroxide particles that are composed of acicular particles having an average major axis of 0.01 to 0.5 &mgr;m and containing not less than 0.1 wt. % and not more than 30 wt. % of Al in the iron oxyhydroxide and that release not less than 0.1 wt. % and not more than 2 wt. % of H2O at 100° C. are used as particles of a lower layer of a coating type magnetic recording medium having a multi-layer structure. The acicular particles include ones having two or more branches whose branching direction is skewed toward a two-dimensional orientation.

Abstract: A GMR stack has at least two ferromagnetic layers (e.g.,CoFe) spaced from each other by a nonferromagnetic layer (e.g., Cu). A layer of a phase-breaking material (such as Ta or a Ta-base alloy) between the nonferromagnetic layer and at least one of the two ferromagnetic layers prevents the undesirable growth of large-grained structures in the ferromagnetic layers.

Abstract: A label for use in a magnetoelastic electronic article surveillance system has a strip of an amorphous alloy, forming a resonator having a resonant frequency, when activated by a magnetically semi-hard strip. The strip of amorphous alloy is fixed at one side to the magnetically semi-hard strip, and has a length of ¼ wavelength of the resonant frequency.

Abstract: Thin absorbent food pads with a bulk under 0.5 cm are provided having an insulation layer and from 3 to 30 sheets of compressed wet resilient cellulosic material wherein the absorbent pad has an absorbent capacity of at least 10 grams fluid per gram absorbent material and which expands in volume by at least 50%, relative to dry volume, upon wetting. The thin absorbent pads may be provided by calendering the insulation layer and cellulosic sheets under a force of about 100 to 1500 pounds per linear inch, thereby reducing the bulk of the pad by 30 to 60% and creating a pad which will significantly expand upon wetting to achieve an aqueous absorbent capacity of about 0.85 grams fluid per square centimeter (5.5 g/square inch).

Abstract: The resent invention provides a carbon fiber which enables a molded article produced from a fiber-reinforced composite material using the carbon fiber to exhibit excellent flexibility and to be freed from defects such as bending. According to the method of the present invention the carbon fiber is produced by a two-stage infusibilizing process, namely carrying out a first-stage infusibilization of a pitch-based fiber, which is obtained from mesophase pitch having a softening point of 200 to 400° C. and a true density of 1.30 to 1.38 g/cm3, in a mixed gas atmosphere having a nitrogen dioxide concentration of 1 to 5% by volume and an oxygen concentration of 5 to 50% by volume, the balance being an inert gas or steam, at a temperature between 100 and 200° C. and then carrying out a second-stage infusibilization of the product of the first-stage infusibilization in a mixed gas atmosphere having a nitrogen dioxide concentration of 0.

Abstract: The line (1) comprises a body (2) made of a polyamide or copolyamide, into which aramid or para-aramid polymer particles (3) of are inserted. This composition applies especially to cutting lines for brushcutters and trimmers, in order to avoid the phenomenon or “sticking” while at the same time improving the abrasion and wear resistance of the line.

Abstract: A radiation curable coating composition for forming a primary polymeric coating on having good adhesion to a glass optical fiber is disclosed. The coating composition is formed by a mixture of a base radiation curable liquid composition capable of forming a polymeric coating; and a hydrolyzed coupling agent mixture comprising N-beta (aminoethyl)-gamma-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, N-beta (aminoethyl)-gamma-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane, and gamma-(trimethoxylsilyl)propylacrylate.

Abstract: Essentially spherical silica-based granular particulates, whether having a mean particle size of at least 300 &mgr;m and a density of from 0.15 to 0.32, or a mean particle size of from 80 &mgr;m to 400 &mgr;m and a density of at least 0.32, are well adapted as reinforcing filler material for a variety of elastomeric matrices, e.g., rubber.

Abstract: A curable composite material composition comprising (A) a polymerizable unsaturated compound, (B) a fiber reinforcing material and/or fiber, and (C) a polymerization initiator comprising an organic boron compound represented by the general formula (1) wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 each independently represent an alkyl, aryl, allyl, aralkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, silyl or heterocyclic group, a halogen atom, or a substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, substituted allyl, substituted aralkyl, substituted alkenyl, substituted alkynyl or substituted silyl group, and Z+ represents a cation, and an acidic compound, as well as a curing process for the curable composite material composition which includes irradiating and/or heating the curable composite material composition.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention at least two different grades of HOPG material with different d-spacings are combined to form a composite HOPG monochromator with increased spacing spread (&Dgr;d/d) defined by the combination of the two HOPG materials with each HOPG material oriented relative to one another so that their layer planes are parallel. The increased &Dgr;d/d should yield higher neutron beam intensities in certain types of backscattering instruments.

Abstract: A coated xerographic substrate comprised of a substrate with four coating layers, two coating layers on the front side of the substrate and two coating layers on the reverse side of the substrate, wherein said front side coatings are comprised of a antistatic hydrophilic layer in contact with the substrate comprised of a blend of (1) a hydrophilic binder, (2) a water soluble filler, (3) a water insoluble filler, (4) an antistatic cationic component (5) an optional filler dispersant, and (6) an optional biocide, and the second coating situated on top of the first coating comprised of (1) an ester binder,(2) a toner wetting agent, (3) a lightfast UV absorber, (4) a lightfast antioxidant/antiozonant compound, and (5) a filler; and wherein said two coatings in contact with the reverse side of the substrate are comprised of a third hydrophilic antistatic coating comprised of (1) a binder polymer, (2) a water soluble filler, (3) a water insoluble filler, (4) an antistatic agent, (5) a filler dispersant and (6) an o

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a ceramic or ceramic-like coating on a substrate in the absence of oxygen. The method comprises coating the substrate with a solution comprising a solven and one or more preceramic materials selected from the group consisting of hydrogen silsesquioxane and hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed RxSi(OR)4-x wherein R is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl and unsaturated hydrocarbons and x is 0-2. The solvent is evaporated and a preceramic coating thereby deposited on the substrate. The preceramic coating is then ceramified by heating the coated substrate to a temperature of between about 500 up to about 1000° C. under an inert gas atmosphere to thereby produce a ceramic or ceramic-like coating on the substrate. The process of the invention is useful for forming protective coatings on any substrate prone to oxidation at the temperature necessary for ceramification.

Abstract: A coated aerospace aluminum alloy part, such as a lipskin of a nacelle or a leading edge of a wing or tail, is disclosed which part is protected from corrosion due to severe environmental stresses, including high and low temperatures, and rain drop erosion, by a multilayer coating comprising a phosphate bonded metal containing basecoat and a resin based topcoat. A method of coating the part is disclosed.

Abstract: A fibrous core material is disposed between and bonded to metal skins to form a structural laminate having comparable strength to steel sheets of greater weight.

Abstract: This invention relates to a surface treatment method comprising the steps of soaking aluminum or an aluminum alloy in a treating solution containing a fluorine compound and ammonium silicofluoride, and treating the aluminum or aluminum alloy in the treating solution at a temperature in the range of 70 to 100° C.; a piston having undergone such a surface treatment; and a piston coated with a film consisting of an Al—OH—F compound, as well as a sliding member in which its sliding surface and the like are coated with a slide film consisting, for example, of a compound of aluminum, fluorine and the hydroxyl group; and a surface-treating film for an aluminum alloy which is formed on a surface of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and consists of an aluminum fluoride hydroxide compound and silicon particles dispersed therein.

Abstract: Polymeric film may be provided with an antistatic coating comprising an oleophilic polymeric film forming binder and a fluorinated ionic polyoxyalkylene antistatic agent in an organic solvent system. The coated film base with the antistatic layer is particularly useful in preventing static problems in photothermographic elements when thermally developed in heated rollers.

Abstract: A porous article wherein a sulfur containing atomic group is introduced onto at least a part of outer-inner surfaces of the article, a ratio (S/C) of the number of sulfur atoms (S) to the number of carbon atoms (C) on the surface onto which the sulfur containing atomic group is introduced is 7×10−4 or more, a ratio (O/C) of the number of oxygen atoms (O) to the number of carbon atoms (C) on the surface onto which the sulfur containing atomic group is introduced is 0.2 or more, and the ratio (S/C) and the ratio (O/C) are determined by means of an X-ray photoelectron spectrophotometer is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a superabrasive containing composite product, comprising and/or prepared on the intense heating of an SHS process, self-propagating high-temperature synthesis. An effective method of such product is also provided. Said composite comprises a substrate of shaped metallic block and a functional layer of ceramic materials containing superabrasive particles, which is joined on a surface of the former, by means of and intermediated by molten metal which occurred during the SHS process.

Abstract: A layer is provided for bonding a conductive plating to a substrate which substrate normally does not provide firm bonding of plating directly thereto. The bonding layer forms a matrix in which are dispersed ultrafine metal particles. The bonding layer is formed in situ on the substrate surface with the metal particles being maintained unaggregated in the matrix as it is formed on the surface. Plating subsequently formed on the outer surface of the bonding layer is effectively firmly bonded to the substrate through the intermediary of the matrix and metal particles distributed therein. The bonding layer includes a fixative formed of an organic compound including a metal and an organic solvent. The bonding layer may further include a film strengthener.

Abstract: A method for preparing a protectively coated, apertured article to be recoated reduces the likelihood that the apertures will become constricted as a consequence of subsequent recoating. The invention, described in the context of a gas turbine engine blade (12) having transpiration cooling passages (34), includes the step of diffusing an auxiliary coating (52) into an existing coating (28) and into the exposed substrate material (26) at the periphery of the passages to form a diffusion zone (54). The blade is then subjected to a stripping agent so that the diffusion zone (54) any undiffused existing coating, and any undiffused auxiliary coating are removed. The method causes a compensatory enlargement of the mouth (44) of each passage so that excess coating that accumulates in the passage mouths during subsequent recoating does not restrict the flow capacity of the passages.

Abstract: This invention is a method for making a thin, flat metal membrane of palladium or palladium/copper alloy. It involves sputtering the metal onto a flat surface of a substrate under conditions such that a deposited film is essentially free of compressive and tensile stresses. The membrane that results upon removal of the film from the substrate, as by dissolving a parting layer therebetween, does not curl up.

Abstract: An impeller shoe (110) having a front side (112) with a series of half column members (114) and raised upper and lower rims (116, 118) that form the impact surface of the impeller shoe. Half columns (114) and raised rims (116, 118) are formed with carbide material (120) formed therein in order to improve wear resistance at these critical surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved adhesiveless flexible laminate, comprising: a polymer film having a plasma treated surface; a nickel tie coat layer comprising nickel or a nickel alloy adhered to said plasma treated surface; and a copper seed coat layer adhered to the nickel layer. In one embodiment, another layer of copper is adhered to the copper seed coat layer. This invention also relates to a process for making the foregoing adhesiveless flexible laminate, the process comprising the steps of: (A) contacting at least one side of a polymeric film with a plasma comprising ionized oxygen produced from a non-metallizing cathode to provide a plasma treated surface; (B) depositing a tie coat of nickel or nickel alloy on said plasma treated surface; and (C) depositing a seed coat layer of copper on said nickel tie coat layer. The process also includes the optional step of (D) depositing another layer of copper over the copper seed coat layer from step (C).

Abstract: An organic thin-film electroluminescent (organic EL) element having an improved luminescent efficiency and improved stability is described, which comprises a substrate and, formed thereover, an anode for injecting holes, a cathode for injecting electrons, and at least one organic-compound layer interposed between the anode and the cathode, wherein the organic-compound layer comprises, for example, any of the following organic compounds.

Abstract: A soft magnetic film includes Fe as a major constituent; at least one element M selected from the group consisting of Zr, Hr, V, Nb, Ta, W, Mo, and rare earth elements (excluding Sm); at least one element L selected from the group consisting of Ti, Sn, Sm, and Si: and at least one element R selected from the group consisting of O, C, and N. The film has a structure including a mixture of an amorphous phase containing a large amount of the oxide of the element M and a fine crystalline phase containing a large amount of Fe, and the fine crystalline phase further contains the element L. Thin film magnetic heads, planar magnetic elements, and filters using the soft magnetic film are also disclosed.

Abstract: A structure of a stacked barrier layer is provided. A first titanium layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). At least a stacked barrier layer is formed on the first titanium layer. The stacked barrier layer includes a first titanium nitride layer and a plasma treated titanium nitride layer. The plasma treated titanium nitride layer is treated using a plasma gas including ammonia gas and nitrogen gas.

Abstract: The invention is a pressurized water recovery system for a fuel cell power plant including at least one fuel cell having an electrolyte between anode and cathode electrodes for producing an electric current from a reducing fluid and an oxidant stream. A coolant loop directs a coolant fluid from a reservoir through a coolant passage to the fuel cell and back to the reservoir, and the coolant loop also receives coolant fluid through water lines secured between condensing heat exchangers and the coolant reservoir. A process exhaust passage directs a process exhaust stream from adjacent the cathode and anode electrodes out of the fuel cell and into a condensing heat exchanger. Whenever the power plant is under coolant stress, a process exhaust valve selectively directs a portion of the process exhaust stream out of the process exhaust passage to a supercharger that pressurizes the received portion of the process exhaust stream and directs the pressurized portion to a pressurized condensing heat exchanger.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell electrode plate structure, a high-pressure electrochemical cell device, and a method for preparing such devices, are provided. The inventive electrode plate structure comprises a laminar assembly of slotted plate-shaped components that provides more uniform openings or flow passages across the active areas thereof. The inventive high-pressure electrochemical cell device comprises at least one cell made up of both slotted and unslotted plate-shaped components that are free of material deformations typically resulting from the high compressive force employed during final cell assembly. The inventive method for preparing such devices basically involves preparing at least one laminated sub-assembly comprising unslotted component layers for the purpose of consolidating such weaker layers into stronger sub-assemblies prior to a final lamination step.

Abstract: A combination bipolar plate/diffuser fuel cell component includes an electrically conducting solid material having: a porous region having a porous surface; and a hermetic region, the hermetic region defining at least a portion of at least one coolant channel, the porous region defining at least a portion of at least one reactant channel, the porous region defining a flow field medium for diffusing the reactant to the porous surface.

Abstract: A method for preparing a membrane for use in a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly includes the steps of providing an electrolyte membrane, and sputter-depositing a catalyst onto the electrolyte membrane. The sputter-deposited catalyst may be applied to multiple sides of the electrolyte membrane. A method for forming an electrode for use in a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly includes the steps of obtaining a catalyst, obtaining a backing, and sputter-depositing the catalyst onto the backing. The membranes and electrodes are useful for assembling fuel cells that include an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, a fuel supply, and an electrolyte membrane, wherein the electrolyte membrane includes a sputter-deposited catalyst, and the sputter-deposited catalyst is effective for sustaining a voltage across a membrane electrode assembly in the fuel cell.

Abstract: A forming tank includes a tank body having an inside step, and two brackets supported on the step and arranged in parallel inside the tank body to hold two metal rods, two insulative members, positive and negative plates, and two spacer combs, the brackets being movable relative to each other so that the pitch between the brackets can be adjusted subject to the size of the positive and negative plates used.

Abstract: Approaches are described for producing porous, polymer electrodes with good characteristics for incorporation into polymer batteries. Two preferred processes are presented. The polymer electrodes can be subjected to additional processing to increase their porosity and electrical conductivity. The polymer electrodes preferably are incorporated into a polymer battery where the components are laminated together.

Abstract: The invention encompasses batteries, battery electrodes and methods of forming batteries and battery electrodes. In one aspect, the invention includes a method of forming a battery electrode comprising: a) forming an electrode material mixture, the electrode material mixture comprising electrode active material, a conductive medium, and EPM; and b) curing the electrode material mixture to form an electrode having a thickness of less than 24 mils. In another aspect, the invention includes a battery comprising: a) a first electrode comprising: i) a thickness of less than 24 mils; ii) electrode active material; iii) a conductive medium; and iv) a binder comprising EPM; b) a second electrode; and c) an electrolyte between the first and second electrodes. In yet another aspect, the invention encompasses a battery electrode comprising EPM and a thickness of greater than 0 and less than 24 mils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative electrode material having a great discharge capacity. A non-aqueous secondary battery essentially comprises positive and negative electrodes, the negative electrode material including a negative electrode material containing 30 to 90% by weight of silicon and 10 to 70% by weight of carbon for the non-aqueous secondary battery, wherein the negative electrode material is obtained by heating silicon or a compound thereof at 600 to 1,500° C. under a non-oxidative atmosphere in the coexsitence with an organic material carbon material.

Abstract: An active composition for an electrode of an electrochemical cell. The active composition comprises an electrode material, and a nonfibrillating polymeric binder. The polymeric binder may comprise a fluoradditive. Also disclosed in an electrode and an electrochemical cell comprising the active composition.

Abstract: An alkaline secondary battery comprises a negative electrode made of a hydrogen storing alloy with its surface covered by a layer containing at least carbonate. As method for covering the surface of the hydrogen storing alloy by a layer containing carbonate, carbonate of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal may be added to the negative electrode, the positive electrode, the separator or the electrolyte.

Abstract: A nickel electrode for an alkaline storage cell manufactured by the steps of precipitating cobalt hydroxide on the surface of a first nickel active material essentially composed of nickel hydroxide, subjecting the first nickel active material to heat treatment under the presence of an alkaline solution and oxygen to that the cobalt hydroxide precipitated on the first nickel active material is disordered to its crystal structure and is formed in a higher order cobalt compound containing alkaline cation, and mixing the first nickel active material subjected to the alkali heat treatment with a second nickel hydroxide active material essentially composed of nickel hydroxide without forming any conductive substance of lower in dissolubility to the alkaline solution.

Abstract: An alkali metal/solid cathode electrochemical cell, particularly a Li/SVO cell, having an anode-to-cathode (A/C) capacity ratio of about 0.68 to about 0.96, is described. This provides the cell with negligible, if any, cell swelling during discharge.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus and method for transferring a pattern to an object to be exposed by exposure to evanescent light using a mask having an aperture pattern having a width of 100 nm or less. The mask is arranged opposite to the object to be exposed, and pressure is applied to the mask arranged opposite to the object from the side of the mask opposite to the surface facing the object to generate evanescent light under the pressure applied, to transfer the pattern of the mask to the object to be exposed by exposure to the evanescent light.

Abstract: An aerial image produced by a mask having transmissive portions is simulated by dividing the transmissive portions of the mask into primitive elements and obtaining a spatial frequency function corresponding to each of the primitive elements. The spatial frequency functions corresponding to the primitive elements are combined to obtain a transformed mask transmission function, and the transformed mask transmission function is utilized to generate a simulation of the aerial image.

Abstract: A method of forming a dual alignment photomask. The method includes the steps of depositing a light-blocking layer over a glass plate, and then patterning the light-blocking layer. Next, a switchable mask layer is deposited over the light-blocking layer and the glass plate, after which the switchable mask layer is patterned. Finally, a protective layer is formed over the switchable mask layer, the light-blocking layer and the glass plate. The switchable mask layer can be changed from a light-passing state to a light-blocking state by simply changing the surrounding temperature. Therefore, through proper setting the temperature, the same photomask can be used to form trenches and vias of dual damascene structures. Thus, some mask-making cost can be saved and errors due to mask misalignment can be avoided.

Abstract: A material for forming a black matrix for a color liquid crystal display comprising: (A) an alkali-soluble resin obtained by the condensation reaction of phenols containing at least cresol with aldehydes; (B) an acid-crosslinkable methylolated melamine compound; (C) a compound which absorbs a light and then generates an acid; (D) a dispersant represented by formula (I): wherein R1 represents a straight chain or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, and this alkyl group may have a substituent; R2 and R3 each represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R4 represents a hydrogen atom, a straight chain or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, —COR5 or —CONR6, and this alkyl group may have a substituent; R5 and R6 each represents an alkyl group having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having from 6 to 32 carbon atoms; m represents 0, 1 or 2; n represents 1, 2 or 3, provided that m+

Abstract: A paper substrate is laminated with a metalized layer forming a mirrored surface. A partially transparent black diffraction grating is applied by stochastic screening to the mirrored surface. The diffraction grating forms a random pattern from selected geometric shapes. Information, such as alphanumeric indicia or graphics, is printed on the stochastic screen to thus form a reflective diffraction device which is printable in a conventional manner while inhibiting reproduction of the printed information by conventional techniques, including black and white and color photo-reproduction and facsimile machines. The partially transparent black stochastic screen forms a diffraction grating on the metalized layer so that when illuminated from the light source of either a specular or diffuse illumination-type photocopier, random interference patterns of light occur at the interface of the metalized surface and the stochastic screen.

Abstract: A photosensitive composition is prepared containing a polymer of the formula B(X)(Y) wherein B represents an organic backbone, each X independently is an acidic group or salt thereof and each Y independently is a photocurable group and a photoinitiating compound or compounds. Preferably, free-radically polymerizable multi-functional monomer and/or oligomer is added to the photosensitive composition. The photosensitive composition can be coated on a suitable substrate for planographic printing plate applications. Imagewise irradiation causes the light struck regions to photocure, becoming insoluble in aqueous and organic mediums, while the non-light struck regions remain highly soluble/dispersable. Printing plates of this construction do not require processing prior to being run on a press.

Abstract: Projection-microlithography masks and methods are disclosed for aligning a mask in a pattern-transfer apparatus and transferring a pattern image as defined by the mask onto a sensitized substrate using a charged-particle beam or other suitable microlithography energy source. A mask of the present invention can comprise a pattern defined on a plurality of thin mask reticles or films. The plurality of mask reticles are secured to a single retention member. The mask further comprises fiducial marks, defined on the retention member and fine-alignment marks defined on each of the mask reticles, to facilitate alignment of the mask and correction of pattern-image errors resulting from distortion or movement of the mask reticles prior to exposing the substrate to the pattern image.

Abstract: A low cost technique for detecting defects in photolithography processes in a submicron integrated circuit manufacturing environment combines use of a reusable test wafer with in-line processing to monitor defects using a pattern comparator system. A reusable test wafer having an oxide layer overlying a silicon substrate and having a thickness corresponding to a minimum reflectance for an exposure wavelength used for photolithography is patterned using a prescribed photolithographic fabrication process to form a repetitive pattern according to a prescribed design product rule. The pattern is formed using a reticle having a repetitive pattern array with a similar design rule as the product to be developed by the lithography processes. The patterned test wafer is then inspected using image-based inspection techniques, where the image has high resolution pixels of preferably 0.25 microns per pixel.

Abstract: A method for preparing a silver halide emulsion is disclosed, wherein the method controls a mean intergrain distance in the process of growing silver halide grains contained in a silver halide emulsion, as defined below, over a period of from the start of growing silver halide grains to completion thereof: Mean intergrain distance=(Volume of the reaction mixture solution/number of grains in the reaction mixture solution)⅓.

Abstract: A method of determining at least one of focus and coma of a lens at a selected location in an imaging field, includes the step of forming a predetermined pattern on a mask for transference to a wafer through a lens. The pattern including a plurality of features such that a first of the plurality of features is situated adjacent a first side of a first phase shift region formed on the mask, and a second of the plurality of features is situated adjacent a second side of a second phase shift region formed on the mask, the second side being substantially opposite the first side.